View source for Individual integrated fighting system

{{Short description|Lightened load-carrying system of the US military}}
{{Refimprove|date=May 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2025}}{{Use American English|date=June 2025}}
{{Infobox military gear|name=Integrated individual fighting system|caption=IIFS consisting of FPLIF pack, TLBV vest, and ECWSS sleeping bag|image=PDN CtrCrp, Lvls Out255 0.60 0, A-L, AKVIS Shrpns40 HC-N, Shrpns100 HC-N, PDN Text-Framecrop - IPD, field pack, large, sleeping bag, ECW vest, indiv., T.L.B. Color Film Negative NSSC Photo Collection (1991) 002782 image primary(.png).jpg|origin=United States
<!-- Service history -->|service=1988–2008|wars={{Tree list}}
*[[Cold War]]
** [[Invasion of Panama]]
** [[Persian Gulf War]]{{Tree list/end}} [[Kosovo War]]
{{Tree list}}
*[[War on Terror|Global War on Terrorism]]
** [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|War in Afghanistan]]
** [[Iraq War]]{{Tree list/end}}|image_size=240|type=Load-carrying equipment|used_by=U.S. Army <br/> U.S. Marine Corps <br/> U.S. Navy <br/> U.S. Air Force}}
The '''integrated individual fighting system''' ('''IIFS'''), often appropriated as '''"individual integrated fighting system"''' by collectors,<ref name="ADA">{{Cite web |year= |title=Use and Care of the Integrated Individual Fighting System (IIFS) |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA239291.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240721040816/https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA239291.pdf |archive-date=21 July 2024 |access-date=30 April 2025 |website=apps.dtic.mil |publisher=US Army Natick Research, Development and Engineering Center (NRDEC), Natick, MA |id=ADA239291}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Individual Integrated Fighting System (IIFS) {{!}} Indv. Eqmt. Systems Index |url=https://www.gear-illustration.com/individual-equipment-systems-index/#IIFS |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160523030217/https://www.gear-illustration.com/individual-equipment-systems-index/#IIFS |archive-date=23 May 2016 |access-date=12 June 2025 |website=gear-illustration.com}}</ref> is a load-carrying equipment and existence system, introduced in 1988 as a possible replacement for the ALICE ([[all-purpose lightweight individual carrying equipment]]) system that was employed by the [[United States military]] since 1973. 

IIFS components are the '''ITLBV''' (individual tactical load-bearing vest) – later replaced by the '''ETLBV''' (enhanced tactical load-bearing vest), the '''40mm grenade vest''' aka '''grenade carrier vest''' ('''GCV'''), the '''FPLIF''' (field pack, large with internal frame) pack, and the '''ECWSS''' (extreme cold weather sleeping system) sleeping bag, cover, and sleep accessories.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |date=1991 |title=Use and Care of the Integrated Individual Fighting System (IIFS) |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA239291.pdf |pages=29 |id=ADA239291 |journal=US Army Natick RD&E Center}}{{source-attribution}} Sourced from {{cite web |title=Integrated Individual Fighting System {{!}} ciehub.info |url=https://ciehub.info/equipment/loadbearing/IIFS.html#gsc.tab=0| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816013010/https://ciehub.info/equipment/loadbearing/IIFS.html#gsc.tab=0 | archive-date=16 August 2024 }}</ref> 

The vest is known officially as the '''ITLBV''' (individual tactical load-bearing vest), though it's sometimes shortened to '''TLBV''' (tactical load-bearing vest),<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 August 2019 |title=Aircrew Customized TLBV {{!}} Customized Gears, Post Vietnam War |url=https://www.gear-illustration.com/2019/08/22/aircrew-customized-tlbv/ |access-date=12 June 2025 |website=gear-illustration.com |quote=Army Aircrew customized IIFS Tactical Load-Bearing Vest.}}</ref> and unofficially referred to as the '<nowiki/>'''M-1988 LBV'''<nowiki/>' or ''''LBV-88'''<nowiki/>'. An upgrade to the vest, the '''ETLBV''' (enhanced tactical load-bearing vest), was a mid-1990s redesign for the TLBV to address problems with ventilation and access of magazines, now having slanted ammunition pockets attached to mesh panels.<ref>{{Cite web |title=IIFS Individual Tactical Load Bearing Vest |url=https://ciehub.info/equipment/loadbearing/IIFS/VestTacticalLoadBearing.html |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718025130/https://ciehub.info/equipment/loadbearing/IIFS/VestTacticalLoadBearing.html |archive-date=18 July 2024 |access-date=29 April 2025 |website=ciehub.info (clothing and individual equipment hub) |quote=Tags: IIFS (enter); The vest is designed to transport the individual's fighting load. It is a one-size-fits-all item constructed of very strong nylon fabric and webbing. (enter); Materials Used (enter); The vest is made of a lightweight nylon fabric with foam padding in the shoulder straps. Two plastic quick release buckles are used to secure it in front. (enter); Concept of Use (enter); The vest is intended to be worn with the standard equipment belt. The belt is attached to the belt loops at the bottom of the vest. (enter); Description of Item (enter); The vest consists of the suspenders, a left, right and back panel that are connected with adjustable drawcords in a corset lacing system secured by cord locks. The vest weighs 1.8 pounds empty. It provides space for six 30 round magazines in four permanently attached ammunition pockets (two each in the outside pockets, and one each in the inside pockets) and two fragmentation grenades in two grenade pockets. (enter); In the mid-1990s, the ITLBV was redesigned due to problems with ventilation and redesignated as Enhanced Tactical Load Bearing Vest (ETLBV) having slanted ammunition pockets attached on mesh panels. (enter); Specification (enter); (bullet list):  • MIL-V-44323 (enter); Nomenclature (enter); (bullet list):  • VEST, TACTICAL LOAD BEARING  • VEST, TACTICAL LOAD BEARING (ENHANCED) (enter); Logistics (enter); PGC: 20714  • TAMCN: C34982F  • LIN: V02073  • NSN: 8415-01-296-8878 [pdf] (Notes: "[pdf]" contains link to locally hosted nsn pdf; In "The vest is intended to be worn with the standard equipment belt.", text "standard equipment belt" contains link to respective ciehub page on the ALICE pistol belt)}}</ref>

Replacing the [[ALICE system|ALICE]] and IIFS systems, the [[MOLLE]] (modular lightweight load-carrying equipment) and subsequent MOLLE II generation were phased into [[U.S. Army]] and [[United States Marine Corps|Marine Corps]] service during the late 1990s to early 2000s.<ref name="Modular MOLLE">{{cite web |date=September–October 2001 |title=Modular MOLLE {{!}} The Warrior |url=http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/pubs/warrior/01/sepoct/packitup.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130721044501/http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/pubs/warrior/01/sepoct/packitup.htm |archive-date=21 July 2013 |access-date=14 May 2025 |website=natick.army.mil |publisher=US Army Natick Soldier Center (NSC), Natick, MA |quote=MOLLE is an Army and Marine Corps item that replaces the aging ALICE (All-purpose, Lightweight, Individual Carrying Equipment) pack and Integrated Individual Fighting System introduced in 1988.}}</ref>

==History==

=== Background ===
The IIFS has conceptual roots in combat and load carrying vests designed by [[Natick Laboratories]] for the employment and use by [[United States Navy SEALs]] during the [[Vietnam War]]. The concept of a load carrying vest is that the weight of the equipment carried by the infantry rifleman is more evenly distributed over the body than with the employment of a load carrying concept of older design.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}

The IIFS load carrying vest, as having been a major conceptual improvement over precuring load-bearing systems,{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}} was designed to replace the individual equipment belt, individual equipment belt suspenders, and small arms ammunition cases.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}} These components have been an integral part of the [[All-purpose lightweight individual carrying equipment|ALICE]] system. The small arms ammunition cases continue to be utilized with the IIFS concept, to enable the carriage of additional small arms munitions.

=== Development ===
[[File:A student at the Scout Sniper Instructor School armed with an M16A2 carbine rifle moves through the woods while on patrol during a field training exercise - DPLA - 62e2de96cef6cdc86c15278755bb5331.jpeg|thumb|A pre-production variant of the TLBV in use on 19 July 1987, by a student at the [[United States Marine Corps Scout Sniper#Scout Sniper Course|Scout Sniper Instructor School]] at Quantico, VA, armed with an early [[M4 carbine]] and moving through the woods while on patrol during a field training exercise]]
Trial variants of the IIFS have utilized both the ALICE water canteen cover and ALICE field first aid dressing case in the [[US Woodland|woodland]] camouflage pattern. The entrenching tool cover had remained unchanged and was also utilized during testing.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}

In the original design, as well as during troops trials, the TLBV incorporated panels made of [[Kevlar]], to improve the protection of the infantry rifleman, when worn in conjunction with the [[Personal Armor System for Ground Troops|PASGT]] flak vest. The weight of this prototypic vest was considered to be too excessive to continue to consider this concept.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}

=== Replacement ===
The IIFS has been phased out in the [[United States Armed Forces]], and has been replaced with [[MOLLE]] and MOLLE II during the 2000s.<ref name="Modular MOLLE" />

==Fighting load components==
Like the ALICE system, the IIFS can be broken down into a fighting load and an existence load. The entire system consists of eight separate components.<ref name=":0" />

The IIFS fighting load consists of the following standard issue components:<ref name="INRD">{{Cite web |title=Individual Integrated Fighting System (IIFS) |url=http://inrd.gotdns.com/alice/iifs.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213212601/http://inrd.gotdns.com/alice/iifs.htm |archive-date=13 December 2024 |access-date=29 April 2025 |website=inrd.gotdns.com |quote=The IIFS system was a partial replacement for the ALICE system. Replacing the suspenders would be a dedicated vest with sewn in pouches. The vest would hold the ALICE belt where you would still have ALICE pouches. The pack system was a major upgrade, with neat pack that was a large internal frame rucksack with a removeable patrol pack. The primary color is Woodland Camo, but at least one 3 color desert has been spotted from USAF private purchases. Large overstocks of existing olive drab Alice items and the end of the cold war prevented mass changeover of all existing Alice items to Woodland Camo or even full implementation of the IIFS system.", ( about TLBV): "This is the IIFS system that replaces the old ALICE suspenders. It attaches to the Alice pistol belt. It has it's{{sup|[sic]}} own integrated pouches for the Rifleman. You can use the Alice pouches on the belt too. Nice but definitely more expensive then the suspenders. It has two double pouches, two single pouches, and 2 frag gernade pouches, I don't care for it personally as the smaller mag pouches don't handle M14 magazines too well. This is the first version that had some Breathability issues, and the place of the Ammo pouches was found to be too high.", ( about ETLBV): "This is the updated version, it has mesh to make it breath better. The pouches are moved down and made 45 degrees. The pouch makeup is the same as before.", ( about 40mm vest): "This is the Grenaders vest, not much use to most of us. Pass on it.", ( about IIFS buttpack): "Whats old is new again. This is litteraly the M1967 Field Pack was brought back to use with the IIFS vest in Woodland Camo. It will attach to the back of the IIFS vest or if you attach a couple Alice clips you can use it just like the old M1967 butt pack. it has webbing on the side you can slide lighter Alice pouches on. This version has longer straping to weave onto the back of the IIFS vest using the two loops on the back of the vest, but it will still work as a butt pack. It is however now missing the loops to use with the M1967 suspenders.}}</ref>

*Vest, ammunition carrying. [NSN 8415-01-317-1622]
*Vest, tactical load bearing. [NSN 8415-01-296-8878]

=== Tactical load-bearing vest ===
[[File:IIFS Tactical Load Carrying Vest.jpg|thumb|right|IIFS tactical load-bearing vest]]The primary component of the IIFS, the '''tactical load-bearing vest''' – '''TLBV''' (''vest, tactical load bearing [NSN 8415-01-296-8878]''), is constructed of a seven-ounce nylon fabric printed in the woodland camouflage pattern, and weighs 1.8 pounds empty.<ref name=":0" /> The TLBV is compatible with the standard [[All-purpose lightweight individual carrying equipment#Fighting load components|ALICE individual equipment belt]]. The individual equipment belt is secured to the TLBV by way of 10 belt loops that use both [[Hook-and-loop fastener|hook and pile]] fasteners and [[Snap fastener|snaps]]. The TLBV has four permanently attached ammunition pockets that can carry six 30-round cartridge magazines for the [[M16 rifle|M16]] assault rifle.<ref name=":0" /> The pocket covers are secured by one snap and a strip of hook and pile. A pull tab is used to open the pocket. Located directly below the ammunition pockets are two pockets, designed to hold the [[M67 grenade|M67]] fragmentation grenade,<ref name=":0" /> they will also hold handcuffs should a member of the US Army [[Military Police Corps (United States)|Military Police Corps]] or [[USAF Security Forces]] be wearing the vest. The shoulders are protected by 1/2 inch [''1.27 cm''] foam padding. The TLBV closes in front with two chest straps using plastic quick release buckles. Two 2{{fraction|1|4}} inch [''5.71 cm''] webbing sections and two D-rings sewn to the back of the TLBV can be used as equipment attachment points.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}

==== Enhanced vest ====
In 1995, due to issues concerning chest and back ventilation caused by the non-breathable fabrics incorporated, the TLBV was redesigned, and officially redesignated the '''enhanced tactical load-bearing vest''' ('''ETLBV'''). No changes to the [[national stock number]] have been made.{{When|date=June 2025}} The two major modifications were the slant of the magazine pouches inward, for easier removal of small arms magazines, and the exchange of the fabric panels, which retained body heat, both situated on the front and back, with lighter mesh panels.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}} The ETLBV was phased into the supply system by the [[Defense Logistics Agency#Defense Supply Agency, 1961–1977|Defense Personnel Support Center]] in 1996 or onward.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=June 1996 |title=Product Update: Improved Combat Butt Pack (ICBP), Enhanced Tactical Load Bearing Vest (ETLBV) |url=http://www-sscom.army.mil/warrior/96/jun/produp.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980420104718/http://www-sscom.army.mil/warrior/96/jun/produp.htm |archive-date=20 April 1998 |access-date=12 June 2025 |website=sscom.army.mil |quote=SSCOM's Project Manager-Soldier has recently approved Product Improvements developed by SSCOM's Natick Research, Development and Engineering Center to the current Butt Pack and Individual Load Bearing Vest. Both projects were conducted under the Soldier Enhancement Program. (___enter___); Improved Combat Butt Pack (ICBP) (___enter___); The Improved Combat Butt Pack is designed to provide soldiers with an efficient method of carrying a small sustainment load for short missions as well as providing the means for carrying more equipment on the ALICE ruck sacks than their capacity allows. The ICBP will be phased into the supply system by the Defense Personnel Support Center as residual supplies of the current butt pack are drawn down. The estimated date of supply is September 1996. (___enter___); Enhancements include: (enter); *attachment capability with the Standard Pistol Belt and ALICE System and the Enhanced Tactical Load Bearing Vest (enter); *enlarged to accommodate increased load demand (enter); *woodland camouflage pattern fabric, water resistant lining, quick attachment rings and quick release opening (enter); *lighter weight (___enter___); Enhanced Tactical Load Bearing Vest (ETLBV) (___enter___); The Enhanced Tactical Load Bearing Vest is designed to improve the weight distribution of the soldiers load and reduce the encumbrance imposed by load bearing equipment. It will increase the soldier's flexibility in carrying fighting load components, which vary according to quantity and mix of ammunition, type of weapons, and Mission, Enemy, Troops, Terrain and Time(METT-T). Additionally, the ETLBV will reduce heat stress and fatigue, providing the soldier with maximum ventilation. The ETLBV will be phased into the supply system by the Defense Personnel Supply Center. (___enter___); Enhancements include: (enter); *replacement of panel fabric with a nylon mesh material (enter); *repositioning of magazine pouches (+++Notes+++) * = bullet list character}}</ref>

=== 40mm grenade vest ===
[[File:IIFS Grenade Carrier Vest.jpg|thumb|right|IIFS 40mm grenade vest]]A secondary component of the IIFS, the '''40mm grenade vest''', alternatively '''grenade carrier vest''' ('''GCV'''), or simply '''ammunition carrying vest''' (''vest, ammunition carrying [NSN 8415-01-317-1622]''), is intended for use by the infantry rifleman (grenadier), armed with either the [[M203 grenade launcher|M203]] or [[M79 grenade launcher]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 1998 |title=Product Update: 40 mm Grenade Vest |url=http://www-sscom.army.mil/warrior/98/jan/produp.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980420102750/http://www-sscom.army.mil/warrior/98/jan/produp.htm |archive-date=20 April 1998 |access-date=12 June 2025 |website=sscom.army.mil |quote=NSN: (enter); 8415-01-317-1622 (___enter___); Description: (enter); The 40 mm Grenade Vest is for use by soldiers armed with the M203 or M79 grenade launcher. The vest has permanently attached open-ended pockets designed to accommodate 14 high explosive and four pyrotechnic rounds. The vest will be worn with the Individual Equipment Belt and over the PASGT Body Armor. (___enter___); The basic material is eight ounce nylon duck, printed in the Woodland Camouflage Pattern. The vest comes in a single, universal size. It will replace the Vest, Ammunition Carrying, LIN Y00790, NSN 8465-00-146-1667 series. (___enter___); Availability: (enter); The vest is being fielded using Central Funding and Fielding procedures. After controlled fielding to high priority units is completed in early FY99, it will be made available for requisitioning by the rest of the Army. (___enter___); For more information contact the Army Support Office at (215) 737-2530.}}</ref> It is constructed of a seven-ounce nylon fabric printed in the woodland camouflage pattern and weighs 2.1 pounds empty.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Grenade Carrier Vest {{!}} ciehub.info |url=https://ciehub.info/equipment/loadbearing/IIFS/VestGrenadeCarrier.html#gsc.tab=0 |access-date=12 June 2025 |website=ciehub.info (clothing and individual equipment) |quote=The vest is designed to transport the basic load of 40mm grenade ammunition for the grenadier. It is a one-size-fits-all item constructed of very strong nylon fabric and webbing. (___enter___); Materials Used (enter); The vest is made of a lightweight nylon fabric with foam padding in the shoulder straps. Two plastic quick release buckles are used to secure it in front. (___enter___); Concept of Use (enter); The vest is intended to be worn with the standard equipment belt. The belt is attached to the belt loops at the bottom of the vest. (___enter___); Description of Item (enter); The vest consists of the suspenders, a left, right and back panel that are connected with adjustable drawcords in a corset lacing system secured by cord locks. The vest weighs 2.1 lbs empty. It provides space for 14 HE Grenades and 4 Pyrotechnic Projectiles in permanently attached grenade pockets. (___enter___); Specifications (enter); *MIL-V-44362 (___enter___); Nomenclature (enter); *VEST, GRENADE CARRIER (40-MM) (___enter___); Logistics (enter); *PGC: 20828 (___enter___); *8415-01-317-1622 (+++Notes+++:) * = bullet list character}}</ref> The ammunition carrying vest is compatible with the standard individual equipment belt which is secured to the ammunition carrying vest with 10 belt loops. The loops use [[Hook-and-loop fastener|hook and pile]] fasteners and [[Snap fastener|snaps]]. The ammunition carrying vest has 18 permanently attached ammunition pockets that can carry 4 pyrotechnic and 14 high explosive 40mm rounds. The pocket covers are secured by one snap. A pull tab is used to open the pocket. The shoulders are protected by 1/2 inch [''1.27 cm''] foam padding. The ammunition carrying vest closes in front with two chest straps using plastic quick release buckles. Two 2{{fraction|1|4}} inch [''5.71 cm''] webbing and two D-rings sewn to the back of the ammunition carrying vest can be used as equipment attachment points.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}

=== Additional related components ===
In addition, the following [[ALICE system]] components are utilized with the IIFS:

*Belt, individual equipment. [NSN 8465-01-322-1965]
*Carrier, entrenching tool. [NSN 8465-00-001-6474]
*Case, field first aid dressing. [NSN 8465-00-935-6814]
*Cover, water canteen. [NSN 8465-00-860-0256]

==== Pistol belt ====
[[File:Alice04.jpg|thumb|ALICE pistol belt]]
Along with the TLBV, a new individual equipment belt was later introduced, featuring a black plastic [[Illinois_Tool_Works#ITW_companies|ITW Fastex]] quick-release buckle and redesigned adjustment system. The original concept included the use of the earlier renewed individual equipment belt, which featured a grey side-release buckle, commonly referred to, due to its early prestige manufacturer, as the [[Bianchi International|Bianchi]] pistol belt.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}} It was decided that instead of contracting new individual ALICE components in the woodland camouflage pattern, that the remainder of already existing and widely available ALICE components will be utilized with the IIFS. These being mainly the water canteen cover, the field first aid dressing case, entrenching tool cover and small arms ammunition cases.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}

==== Ammunition cases ====
The ALICE system [[All-purpose lightweight individual carrying equipment#Fighting load components|small arms munitions pouch]] (''case, small arms ammunition [NSN 8465-00-001-6482]'') is also frequently used in conjunction with the IIFS to enable the carriage of additional small arms munitions. This is especially true with grenadiers (for example, [[M203 grenade launcher]] operators) utilizing the IIFS 40mm grenade vest, which has no provisions for carrying [[STANAG magazine|5.56mm magazines]].

==== Buttpacks ====
[[File:Defense.gov News Photo 000712-F-4141A-001.jpg|thumb|The buttpack (aka 'training field pack') and canteens are used in addition to IIFS vests, here of Marines from Golf Company, [[25th Marine Regiment (United States)|25th Marine Regiment]], who prepare for a simulated attack on Vadu Beach, Romania, during [[Exercise Rescue Eagle|Exercise Rescue Eagle 2000]] on 12 July 2000]]
During [[Operation Just Cause]] in the year 1989, and later [[Operation Desert Storm]] in the year 1991, the [[M-1967 modernized load-carrying equipment]] (''MLCE'') system's field pack (''field pack [NSN 8465-00-935-6825]'') was issued for use with the IIFS system. Designated the '''<nowiki/>'training field pack'''', it is a modified olive green version of the pack, sometimes referred to by soldiers as a buttpack, has been utilized for a three-day training pack (typically in conjunction with the ALICE system, yet was not a designated component of it).{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}

In the mid-1990s, the '''improved combat buttpack''' ('''ICBP''') was designed to be the replacement for previous field packs, as a part of the [[Soldier Enhancement Program]] (SEP).<ref name=":1" /> The various improvements of the ICBP included: being enlarged to accommodate increased load demand, being made lighter weight, increasing camouflage capability with the use of woodland camouflage pattern fabric, and finally, by using new certain quick attachment rings (aka O-rings) and a pair of quick release buckles near the opening of the pack to streamline its ease of wear and accessibility.<ref name=":1" /> The new plastic hardware (i.e., [[Buckle#Side release buckle|buckles]], [[Ladder buckle|ladderlocks]], [[D-ring|D-rings]], etc) had the added benefit of eliminating the possibility for loud metal clinking or jangling noises generated by the legacy hardware.

Having been approved by the [[Project Manager-Soldier]] (PM-Soldier), the improved buttpack was to be phased into the supply system by the [[Defense Logistics Agency#Defense Supply Agency, 1961–1977|Defense Personnel Support Center]] as residual supplies of the original buttpack were drawn down. The estimated date of supply was September 1996, according to the Soldier Systems Command's (SSCOM's) The Warrior magazine.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |date=June 1996 |title=Product Update: Improved Combat Butt Pack (ICBP), Enhanced Tactical Load Bearing Vest (ETLBV) |url=http://www-sscom.army.mil/warrior/96/jun/produp.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980420104718/http://www-sscom.army.mil/warrior/96/jun/produp.htm |archive-date=20 April 1998 |access-date=12 June 2025 |website=sscom.army.mil |quote=SSCOM's Project Manager-Soldier has recently approved Product Improvements developed by SSCOM's Natick Research, Development and Engineering Center to the current Butt Pack and Individual Load Bearing Vest. Both projects were conducted under the Soldier Enhancement Program. (___enter___); Improved Combat Butt Pack (ICBP) (___enter___); The Improved Combat Butt Pack is designed to provide soldiers with an efficient method of carrying a small sustainment load for short missions as well as providing the means for carrying more equipment on the ALICE ruck sacks than their capacity allows. The ICBP will be phased into the supply system by the Defense Personnel Support Center as residual supplies of the current butt pack are drawn down. The estimated date of supply is September 1996. (___enter___); Enhancements include: (enter); *attachment capability with the Standard Pistol Belt and ALICE System and the Enhanced Tactical Load Bearing Vest (enter); *enlarged to accommodate increased load demand (enter); *woodland camouflage pattern fabric, water resistant lining, quick attachment rings and quick release opening (enter); *lighter weight (___enter___); Enhanced Tactical Load Bearing Vest (ETLBV) (___enter___); The Enhanced Tactical Load Bearing Vest is designed to improve the weight distribution of the soldiers load and reduce the encumbrance imposed by load bearing equipment. It will increase the soldier's flexibility in carrying fighting load components, which vary according to quantity and mix of ammunition, type of weapons, and Mission, Enemy, Troops, Terrain and Time(METT-T). Additionally, the ETLBV will reduce heat stress and fatigue, providing the soldier with maximum ventilation. The ETLBV will be phased into the supply system by the Defense Personnel Supply Center. (___enter___); Enhancements include: (enter); *replacement of panel fabric with a nylon mesh material (enter); *repositioning of magazine pouches (+++Notes+++) * = bullet list character}}</ref>

== Existence load components ==
[[File:IIFS Field Pack.jpg|thumb|right|IIFS field pack, large with internal frame]]
The IIFS existence load comprises the following components:

*'''Field pack''' [NSN 8465-01-286-5356]
*'''Pack, patrol, combat''' [NSN 8465-01-287-8128]
[[File:Port-au-Prince airfield seizure.jpg|thumb|Carrying FPLIF packs and patrol packs, soldiers of C Company, 2nd Battalion 22nd Infantry, [[10th Mountain Division]], are seen securing Port-au-Prince Airport on 22 September 1994, the first day of [[Operation Uphold Democracy]]]]

=== Field pack ===
The '''field pack''', also known as '''''field pack, large with internal frame''''' ['''''FPLIF'''''] or commercially as '''''combat field pack 1990''''' ['''''CFP-90'''''], is constructed of an 8.0 ounce backcoated nylon fabric printed in the woodland camouflage pattern which has excellent abrasion resistance and water repellency. The weight of the empty field pack is 8 pounds.<ref name="ADA" /> Two major sections make up the field pack; the sleeping bag compartment, and the main compartment. The main compartment has a false bottom that may be opened for full use of the field pack when a sleeping bag is not carried. The outside of the field pack has one long tunneled pocket and two smaller cargo pockets, all using compression straps for securing contents. Equipment attachment points in the form of 2{{fraction|1|4}} inch [''5.71 cm''] webbing and 1 inch [''2.54 cm''] webbing loops are located throughout the field pack.<ref name="ADA" />

Early versions of the pack were produced by [[Lowe Alpine|Lowe]] and are considered superior to the production "CFP-90"; the principal reason for this is the use of cotton thread on the production model. The Lowe version is distinguished by having a brown canvas sleeping bag compartment, no top closing flap (the "Pack, Patrol, Combat" is used instead), a black snow collar, a unique suspension system, and black nylon thread.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}

The internal frame comprises two aluminum staves running the full height of the field pack. The staves are removable. The suspension system is adjustable allowing the user to position the field pack where it is most comfortable. The field pack has lower back padding as well as an extended lumbar support pad and the shoulder pads are made of bi-laminate foam. A softer, open cell foam is against the body for comfort followed by a stiffer closed cell foam for stability and good recovery after compression.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}

Two strap assemblies with quick release buckles allow for the attachment of the combat patrol pack atop the field pack when both packs are used together. When used in combination with either the 40mm grenade vest or TLBV, the field pack shoulder pads are worn over those of the vest, where they are retained by two one inch [''2.54 cm''] pieces of webbing.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}[[File:IIFS Combat Patrol Pack.jpg|thumb|right|IIFS combat patrol pack]]

=== Combat patrol pack ===
The '''combat patrol pack''' is designed for short missions and offers {{Convert|1200|cuin|L|abbr=off|sp=us|disp=}} of cargo space in two compartments. The main compartment is padded to protect the back from heavy, sharp items. The main compartment incorporates two tiedown straps that can be used to stabilize equipment such as a field radio. The combat patrol pack has a separate shoulder harness. When used in combination with either the 40mm grenade vest or TLBV, the combat patrol pack shoulder pads are worn over the vest shoulder pads, and retained for stability by two one inch [''2.54 cm''] pieces of webbing. The combat patrol pack can also be used in conjunction with the field pack. With the "LCS-88" experimental version, the patrol pack attached directly to the shoulder straps of the LBV, and a waist belt was used to keep it from bouncing around.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}

== Sleeping system ==
The '''ECWSS''' ('''extreme cold weather sleeping system''') was designed to interface with the [[ECWCS]] (extended cold weather clothing system) ensemble.<ref name=":0" />

The ECWSS comprises the following components:<ref name=":0" />

*'''Sleeping Bag''' – The sleeping bag is made of [[nylon]] fabric that encloses a continuous filament [[polyester]] insulation. The sleeping bag is a mummy type, which uses a double '[[draft tube]]' configuration to improve protection in the [[zipper]] area. Specifically, it has a {{Convert|71|in|cm|sp=us|adj=on}} zipper that allows rapid exit. Adjustments across the shoulder and hood area can be made with the [[drawcord]] and [[barrel lock]]. A row of [[snap fasteners]] along the opening allows for the installation and removal of the bivy cover.<ref name=":0" />

*'''Cover, Bivy''' – The cover is made of a moisture vapor permeable water-proof fabric. The cover was designed to be removable to facilitate better air drying of the sleeping bag.<ref name=":0" />

*'''Bag, Stuff''' – The bag reduces the bulk of the sleeping bag to less than 1 cubic foot. The bag is constructed of a waterproof nylon fabric. The compression straps are made from webbing with standard buckIes.<ref name=":0" />

*'''Hood and Socks''' – Included in ECWSS as accessories are a hood and socks for added head and foot climatic protection. The hood and socks are made of a [[Fibrepile|polyester fiberpile]] material.<ref name=":0" />
==See also==
* [[M-1967 modernized load-carrying equipment]]
* [[All-purpose lightweight individual carrying equipment]] or ''ALICE''
* [[Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment|Modular lightweight load-carrying equipment]] or ''MOLLE''
* Buzo Tactico assault vest used by the Argentine [[Buzos Tácticos]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==

* [https://www.gear-illustration.com/2015/11/17/individual-integrated-fighting-system-iifs/ IIFS vests | gear-illustration.com] – High-quality images
* [https://www.gear-illustration.com/2016/01/08/iifs-pack-subsystem-fplif/ IIFS field+patrol pack | gear-illustration.com] – High-quality images
* [https://www.gear-illustration.com/2016/01/22/training-field-pack/ Training field pack | gear-illustration.com] – High-quality images of the ICBP (woodland-patterned improved buttpack, although are uncaptioned)
{{US Army uniforms}}

[[Category:Military equipment of the United States]]
[[Category:Personal military carrying equipment]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1980s]]